Minutes: August 2021

MINUTES

CLERMONT COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

AUGUST 16, 2021

MIAMI TOWNSHIP BRANCH

Present: Tony Cardinal, Mary Jo Waite, Jennifer Doss, Ed Humphrey, Judith Kocica, Tricia Lyons, Ernie Ramos

Staff: Chris Wick, Maura Gray, Leslie Jacobs, Lynn Baird, Julie Robinson, Theresa Herron

Guests: Judge Mary Lynne Birck, Dan Rosenthal, Patty Pryor

Mr. Cardinal called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Roll Call: Tony Cardinal, here; Jennifer Doss, here; Mary Jo Waite, here; Judith Kocica, here; Tricia Lyons, here; Ed Humphrey, here; Ernie Ramos, here.

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

JULY 19, 2021, MINUTES:

Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Doss, to approve the July 19, 2021, board meeting minutes as mailed. All present were in favor. Motion was adopted.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Judge Mary Lynne Birck, Clermont County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division, was present to thank the Library for its services to the community and partnering with the court on multiple projects.

FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT:

Ms. Gray reviewed the financial report. Expenses and revenues are as expected at this time. She also distributed a “dashboard” that contains financial and statistical information. The Board discussed the dashboard.

Motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to approve the July 2021 financial report. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve the July 2021 bills paid. All present were in favor, with Ms. Doss abstaining. Motion was adopted.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Ms. Wick reported on the Pandemic Team’s decision to require Library employees to wear masks again. The team also decided to “strongly recommend” that visitors wear masks. Signage was changed in each branch to reflect the change. Current cleaning protocols meet standard guidelines and will continue in each building. The Library will maintain the decision to return to in-person programming this fall. Each branch will determine how many people may attend the in-person programs. Branches also are encouraged to host programs outside as weather permits.

Ms. Wick said the vaccination clinics continue and each has a steady number of people participate. The Clermont County Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library has 4,975 children enrolled with 882 graduates. United Way has pledged money to continue the program, but more will be needed. The steering committee is working on a fund-raising plan.

The library lockers have been installed and are being used. This is another goal on the Library’s strategic plan that has been met. Milacron wants to partner with the Library by purchasing a 3D printer and providing training for staff. The Library partnered with the Clermont County Park District and Kiwanis of the East Fork Region to install a StoryWalk at Sycamore Park in Batavia. The Library also partnered with Ohio Means Jobs to host several job fairs. The Library will work with the Early Childhood Coordinating Council on a career initiative for county residents. The Batavia Branch was closed August 16 for upgrading their public computer area and provide more comfortable seating.  The state’s interlibrary loan delivery service has transitioned to a new service provider and there have been problems with transition.  The issues are being resolved but it is taking time. The Library participated in the Clermont County Fair again and it was a great event for talking to residents about services and resources. STEAM Kits were launched for circulation.   Most checked out within the first few days.

Ms. Doss asked about reducing the number of auto renewals from 5 to 3 as a way to increase library visits. After discussion, the Board decided to leave the auto renewals at 5 and re-evaluate in the future.

Ms. Lyons shared a comment from a member of the public who appreciates the library lockers and the ability to pick up holds when the Library is closed, including Sundays.

COMMUNICATIONS

Ms. Wick shared an email from Nathan Shields thanking the Library for being a place to rest, wait and work. He made a donation to the Amelia Library in appreciation for the services and resources.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ms. Doss reported on the By-laws & Policy Review Committee’s work on the proposed changes to the Internet Use Policy. A lengthy discussion was conducted on how to best reference and incorporate the Standards of Library Behavior Policy into the Internet Use Policy.  The Board will review the policy again at their next meeting in September after some minor changes are made to the proposed policy.

Motion by Mr. Humphrey, seconded by Ms. Doss, to go into executive session for ORC 121.22 (G)(1) to consider the compensation of a public employee(s) and ORC 121.22 (G)(4) for the purpose of reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of employment. Roll call vote: Mr. Cardinal, aye; Ms. Doss, aye; Ms. Waite, aye; Mr. Humphrey, aye; Ms. Kocica, aye; Ms. Lyons, aye; Mr. Ramos, aye. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted at 7:28 p.m.

The Board returned from executive session at 8:10 p.m.

NEW BUSINESSS

Motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Ms. Lyons, to approve Resolution 2021-26: Acceptance of Gifts to the Library. Donation as listed. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Waite, seconded by Ms. Kocica, to approve Resolution 2021-27: Disposal of Unneeded or Obsolete Library Inventory. Roll call vote: Mr. Cardinal, aye; Ms. Doss, aye; Ms. Waite, aye; Mr. Humphrey, aye; Ms. Kocica, aye; Ms. Lyons, aye; Mr. Ramos, aye. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Kocica, seconded by Mr. Humphrey, to approve a 2.5 percent wage increase for non-bargaining unit employees effective the first payroll of 2021. Roll call vote: Mr. Cardinal, aye; Ms. Doss, aye; Ms. Waite, aye; Mr. Humphrey, aye; Ms. Kocica, aye; Ms. Lyons, aye; Mr. Ramos, aye. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

Motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Ms. Kocica, to adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. All present were in favor, none opposed. Motion was adopted.

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Board President                                                          Board Secretary

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